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Dean View Drop Down
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 11:48
Originally posted by The T The T wrote:

My headphones now are audiophile grade (ATH-W5000) but my headphone amp is far from that (V-can bought in ebay at 100 bucks) and damn it sound so stupidly amazing. That Grado headphone amp sells for 350 here in Amazon and I really can't believe it will do much more than what I have here. Damn, even Audio Technica themselves offer an amp made for my headphones (impossible to find except in Japan) and I'm quite sure it will sound almost exactly the same, unless it allows me to listen to the heartbeats of the conductor or something.... 
Something that occurred to me a few weeks back was that if anyone uses Hi-Z "studio" headphones in a home environment should perhaps look to pro studio equipment for suitable amps to drive them. Looking deeper into this I discovered that the Behringer HA400 Headphone Amplifier uses the same Op-Amp and practically the same circuitry as the Grado RA1 yet retails for less than $30. Of course there are a few pretty major differences between the Behringer and the Grado (aside from the 10 fold price difference) - the Behringer does follow the Bauhaus ethos of form-follows-function, so looks as ugly as sin, but it does have the advantage of having 4 identical stereo headphone amplifiers contained within its one ugly little box - but rest assured it will sound like a Grado RA1 (well, four of them to be precise):
 
 
...of course it is not beyond the wit of man to rehouse that into something more presentable in the home environment. Hell, even a brown paper bag would be an improvement.
(sorted Approve)


Edited by Dean - September 30 2011 at 11:57
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Points: 17493 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 11:04
My headphones now are audiophile grade (ATH-W5000) but my headphone amp is far from that (V-can bought in ebay at 100 bucks) and damn it sound so stupidly amazing. That Grado headphone amp sells for 350 here in Amazon and I really can't believe it will do much more than what I have here. Damn, even Audio Technica themselves offer an amp made for my headphones (impossible to find except in Japan) and I'm quite sure it will sound almost exactly the same, unless it allows me to listen to the heartbeats of the conductor or something.... 
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Points: 17845 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 09:31
To me buying high end cables is like adding more cup holders as an option to a new car.......Why??
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 03:40
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

That RA1 is a disgrace. Grado spent no expense making that and passed on none of the savings to their loyal customers. Not just the internal electronics and sub-standard build quality, even the ¼" jack socket is cheap and nasty cosing 50¢  whereas a professional quality one would have cost them only a few dollars more. That is a prime example of how audiophilist get ripped-off by greedy manufacturers - it sells for $600 and cost less than $40 to make. It is not audiophilist quality yet people swear by how great it sounds because it carries the Grado name and looks pretty in its mahogany case with its spun aluminium knob.
It was just a pic to illustrate portable setups based on a Discman player.

The Grado RA1 is not portable Confused


So it was a real mistake
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 03:25
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

That RA1 is a disgrace. Grado spent no expense making that and passed on none of the savings to their loyal customers. Not just the internal electronics and sub-standard build quality, even the ¼" jack socket is cheap and nasty cosing 50¢  whereas a professional quality one would have cost them only a few dollars more. That is a prime example of how audiophilist get ripped-off by greedy manufacturers - it sells for $600 and cost less than $40 to make. It is not audiophilist quality yet people swear by how great it sounds because it carries the Grado name and looks pretty in its mahogany case with its spun aluminium knob.


It was just a pic to illustrate portable setups based on a Discman player.
The Grado RA1 is not portable Confused
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 03:06
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

You don't need to repeat endlessly that you don't believe in cables and vibration control optimization. I think that everybody understood.
I will repeat it as often as you repeat claims that cables and anti-vibration control make a difference.
 
I am permitted to have an opposing opinion to you and I am permitted to express it every time you repeat yours.
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

Coming back to cables, even on these modest sounding portable setups, the difference is easy to hear, i'm currently using a cheap QED mini mini cable whic downgrade my sound compared to the ALO cable i know (the QED is colored and limited at both extremes).

It's not a matter of price (even if the very best are expensive), i can advice the mini mini from Cardas which is warm and laid back sounding,
very cheap and very flexible as well:

http://www.headphone.com/accessories/cables/cardas-6-inch-mini-to-mini-cable.php

but far to be as transparent and dynamic as a high end ALO one, for example
Why are you using a "cheap" QED cable that you believe makes it sound worse when you own a $250 ALO cable? Sorry, I fail to understand this post.
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 01:59
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

That RA1 is a disgrace. Grado spent no expense making that and passed on none of the savings to their loyal customers. Not just the internal electronics and sub-standard build quality, even the ¼" jack socket is cheap and nasty cosing 50¢  whereas a professional quality one would have cost them only a few dollars more. That is a prime example of how audiophilist get ripped-off by greedy manufacturers - it sells for $600 and cost less than $40 to make. It is not audiophilist quality yet people swear by how great it sounds because it carries the Grado name and looks pretty in its mahogany case with its spun aluminium knob.


It was just a pic to illustrate portable setups based on a Discman player.
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 30 2011 at 01:56
You don't need to repeat endlessly that you don't believe in cables and vibration control optimization. I think that everybody understood.

Coming back to cables, even on these modest sounding portable setups, the difference is easy to hear, i'm currently using a cheap QED mini mini cable whic downgrade my sound compared to the ALO cable i know (the QED is colored and limited at both extremes).

It's not a matter of price (even if the very best are expensive), i can advice the mini mini from Cardas which is warm and laid back sounding,
very cheap and very flexible as well:



http://www.headphone.com/accessories/cables/cardas-6-inch-mini-to-mini-cable.php


but far to be as transparent and dynamic as a high end ALO one, for example

Edited by oliverstoned - September 30 2011 at 01:57
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Points: 17845 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 17:21
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

^ I must admit the anodised ones look really garish and the front panel not being flush to the case with the 4 screwheads showing is not pretty by any standards - it's all a bit too IndustroPunk for me.
 
For looks, ergonomics and styling I like things to be flush, unobtrusive (not flashy) and sleek, the Fiio E11 has some of those features:
And I really like the idea of the protected volume control - the guard stops it getting changed by accident (a good thing in a portable amp) and it also protects the potentiometer from physical damage. Of course for $60 it could sound awful. I own an E5 and that sounds pretty good for my ears so I wouldn't expect the E11 to sound horrible by comparison, though the E5 is no louder than the Arcos 1.8 it's normally connected to - I only use it to extend the playing time of the Arcos battery, not for any sonic properties.
 
Hmmmm.....I like the look of this amp, and yes the protected volume control is nice. Will have to look this one up.....
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 17:19
^ from what I haven't heard John Myung uses those.
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Points: 13244 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 17:08
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

What's cool is once you've got the amp, you can upgrade any good portable source (big Discman which have a superior output line or big walkman) thanks to a min/mini cable


 

$95 for some off-the-shelf 3.5mm jack plugs and 50mm of ofc speaker cable.
 
These are the cheap ones of course, if you want the real deal you should not be spending less than $200 for something that is exactly the same.
 
All that glisters is not gold.
 
I challenge anyone to tell the differnce between that cable and this one:
in a fair and unbiased double blind ABX test
 

I swear this beats any gold plated cable. They sell like mad amongst Dutch bass players. Completely noise-less




Edited by Angelo - September 29 2011 at 17:09
ISKC Rock Radio
I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected]
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 16:56
Originally posted by Slartibartfast Slartibartfast wrote:

Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

Really, you'll get just as much improvement of you put them under a plant pot or goldfish bowl.
I think it only helps if you smoke a giant pot plant while standing on them. Wink
Smoking the fish could work too.
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Points: 29630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 16:37
Originally posted by Dean Dean wrote:

Really, you'll get just as much improvement of you put them under a plant pot or goldfish bowl.
I think it only helps if you smoke a giant pot plant while standing on them. Wink


Edited by Slartibartfast - September 29 2011 at 16:38
Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 16:06
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:



My main worry is that the heavy marble plates placed on top of every hi-fi element might counter the effects of the cones he places under these elements.




Sorry i forgot to reply you on this point, Sean.

No the weight doesn't counter the effects because:

1) It was better the plates on

2) These ceramic cones are designed for much heavier weight, huge
speakers "DH Cones can accommodate any heavy audio equipment up to 5000 pounds."



http://www.goldensound.com/whydhcones
Smile Cones.
 
 
Stern Smile
 
 
 
Okay, back in the day (circa 199x) I did try these (not DH ones, some other make) and frankly they're more trouble than they're worth and result in no sonic difference at all when put under anything. Really, you'll get just as much improvement of you put them under a plant pot or goldfish bowl. Spikes on speakers I admit do make a difference (though not one my wife was impressed with on our parquet wooden flooring), but cones on speakers do not and I've already explained why acoustic isolation of CD players and amplifiers is a folly IMHO. But with all these things, if it makes you think it sounds better then go for it, it's your dollar.
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 15:42
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:

What's cool is once you've got the amp, you can upgrade any good portable source (big Discman which have a superior output line or big walkman) thanks to a min/mini cable


 

$95 for some off-the-shelf 3.5mm jack plugs and 50mm of ofc speaker cable.
 
These are the cheap ones of course, if you want the real deal you should not be spending less than $200 for something that is exactly the same.
 
All that glisters is not gold.
 
I challenge anyone to tell the differnce between that cable and this one:
in a fair and unbiased double blind ABX test
 
Originally posted by oliverstoned oliverstoned wrote:




That RA1 is a disgrace. Grado spent no expense making that and passed on none of the savings to their loyal customers. Not just the internal electronics and sub-standard build quality, even the ¼" jack socket is cheap and nasty cosing 50¢  whereas a professional quality one would have cost them only a few dollars more. That is a prime example of how audiophilist get ripped-off by greedy manufacturers - it sells for $600 and cost less than $40 to make. It is not audiophilist quality yet people swear by how great it sounds because it carries the Grado name and looks pretty in its mahogany case with its spun aluminium knob.


Edited by Dean - September 29 2011 at 16:15
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 15:17
Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:



My main worry is that the heavy marble plates placed on top of every hi-fi element might counter the effects of the cones he places under these elements.




Sorry i forgot to reply you on this point, Sean.

No the weight doesn't counter the effects because:

1) It was better the plates on

2) These ceramic cones are designed for much heavier weight, huge
speakers "DH Cones can accommodate any heavy audio equipment up to 5000 pounds."



http://www.goldensound.com/whydhcones
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 15:09
What's cool is once you've got the amp, you can upgrade any good portable source (big Discman which have a superior output line or big walkman) thanks to a min/mini cable












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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 09:46
Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:

I'll probably one day invest in one of these lossless system (because carrying around the discs has become indeed inconveniant), but I won't search for a mega bass amp (well maybe the cheapest one you mentioned, if really necessary).... a good pair of headphones should do..

But I'm probably years away from getting to that stage.



It's a matter of loving listening outdoor and/or having part of its collection to bring on holidays. For me this luxury has become almost vital (i never bring it in public transport, i prefer reading but i listen to it a lot, especially on summer outdoor).

Below another good one, the Pico amp



Edited by oliverstoned - September 29 2011 at 13:23
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Points: 6308 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 04:50
Originally posted by Sean Trane Sean Trane wrote:

As for the green with the white front pannel, no thanks ... all of the other colours (incl the blue) have a glossy nail varnish finish on them.


It's only a little box to put into the pocket, not a furniture for the living room


OK, so the risk are lower (indeed an electronician can still deal with power supplys and stuff)Smile, but it's still not a certified installation, so you won't be covered by insurances... You could even be sued for responsability (not that I would evensuggest that it will even happen)

Certainly, and i thank you for making me aware of that, but i'll never change my system for stupid regulations, i even see it as a an attempt to personal freedom.




Edited by oliverstoned - September 29 2011 at 09:38
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Points: 37575 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 29 2011 at 04:27
^ I must admit the anodised ones look really garish and the front panel not being flush to the case with the 4 screwheads showing is not pretty by any standards - it's all a bit too IndustroPunk for me.
 
For looks, ergonomics and styling I like things to be flush, unobtrusive (not flashy) and sleek, the Fiio E11 has some of those features:
And I really like the idea of the protected volume control - the guard stops it getting changed by accident (a good thing in a portable amp) and it also protects the potentiometer from physical damage. Of course for $60 it could sound awful. I own an E5 and that sounds pretty good for my ears so I wouldn't expect the E11 to sound horrible by comparison, though the E5 is no louder than the Arcos 1.8 it's normally connected to - I only use it to extend the playing time of the Arcos battery, not for any sonic properties.


Edited by Dean - September 29 2011 at 04:35
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